I. ə-ˈdres, a- also ˈa-ˌdres verb
Etymology: Middle English adressen, from Anglo-French adrescer, from a- (from Latin ad- ) + drescer to to direct, put right — more at dress
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. archaic
a. : direct , aim
b. : to direct to go : send
2.
a. : to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself)
will address himself to the problem
b. : to deal with : treat
intrigued by the chance to address important issues — I. L. Horowitz
3. archaic : to make ready ; especially : dress
4.
a. : to communicate directly
address es his thanks to his host
b. : to speak or write directly to ; especially : to deliver a formal speech to
5.
a. : to mark directions for delivery on
address a letter
b. : to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor)
6. : to greet by a prescribed form
7. : to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball)
8. : to identify (as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transfer
intransitive verb
obsolete : to direct one's speech or attentions
• ad·dress·er noun
II. ə-ˈdres, for 4 & 5 & 7 also ˈa-ˌdres noun
Date: 1539
1. : dutiful and courteous attention especially in courtship — usually used in plural
2.
a. : readiness and capability for dealing (as with a person or problem) skillfully and smoothly : adroitness
b. obsolete : a making ready ; also : a state of preparedness
3.
a. : manner of bearing oneself
a man of rude address
b. : manner of speaking or singing : delivery
4. : a formal communication ; especially : a prepared speech delivered to a special audience or on a special occasion
5.
a. : a place where a person or organization may be communicated with
b. : directions for delivery on the outside of an object (as a letter or package)
c. : the designation of place of delivery placed between the heading and salutation on a business letter
d. : the designation of a computer account from which one can send or receive e-mail
6. : a preparatory position of the player and club in golf
7.
a. : a location (as in the memory of a computer) where particular information is stored
b. : a series of usually alphanumeric characters that specifies the storage location (as on a network or in a computer's memory) of particular information
an Internet address
Synonyms: see tact